If you want a short trip packed with diversity, then this tour of southern Italy is the adventure for you. Acquaint yourself with Italy's 'Eternal City' of Rome and learn about the catastrophic fate of Pompeii. Soak up the sunshine in the coastal town of Sorrento and explore the beautiful Amalfi Coast. This trip offers the chance to delve into history, culture and cuisine and to live a little of la dolce vita.

Travel more, deposit less. Book now with just CHF 50!

Save a space on your 2019 trip with only a CHF 50 deposit until 31 August 2018.

Travel more, deposit less. Book now with just CHF 50!

Save a space on your 2019 trip with only a CHF 50 deposit until 31 August 2018.

GBP50/EUR50/CHF50/ZAR1250 deposit offer must be redeemed between 1 – 31 August 2018 and can be used on any 2019 trip.
Offer excludes Christmas departures from 15 December – 31 December 2019.
The deposit can be used towards any Intrepid small group adventure, Intrepid short breaks and Dragoman trips with the below exclusions: Polar trips – includes all itineraries in the Arctic and Antarctica; Private groups; Eat your way around the world trip; Gorilla treks where pre-purchased permits are required to secure the trek to see the Gorillas. Excluded trips are: YDOU, YXOG, YXOCC, YXOIC, YXOEC, YXOGC, YXOFC, UXODC, YGAG, YGAR; Inca Trail trips where pre-purchased permits are required to secure the trek. Excluded trips are: GGSQ, GGTA, GGSEC, GGTBC, GGSA, GGSD, GGSYC, GGSUC, GGKP, GGTWC, GGFB, GGKY, GGHT, GGCLC, GGHC, GDOP, GDOL, GDOKC, GDOMC, GDOO, GDOB, GDOBC, GDOTC, GDODC, GDOEC, GGBL, GGHC-O; Patagonia trips including the W-Walk. Excluded trips are: GDOD, GDOE, GDOI, GDOJ. Normal deposits apply to these trips.
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Indulge in authentic, traditional pizza in the place of its birth – Naples. Buon appetito!

Explore the vast, frozen in time ruins of ancient Pompeii, which emerged from the ashes after thousands of years, and take a peak inside the steaming crater of Mt Vesuvius, the volcano that destroyed it

Hike among the olive groves on the Path of the Gods along the spectacular Amalfi Coast

Toast to this Italian adventure with a taste of sweet local limoncello

Is this trip right for you?

The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Train travel is a fast way to traverse long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. Trains are comfortable and all have toilets, however can often be quite busy.

Please note that you'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the trains, and up and down stairs at train stations and at hotels, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find this information in the 'What to Take' section of the trip notes. You may want to consider taking a backpack rather than a wheelie bag, however this is up to your personal preference and what you feel more comfortable with.

Summer temperatures can be extreme in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Additionally, please be aware that July, August and the first half of September is high season along the Southern Italian coast, which means that the local infrastructure is under a lot of pressure with a lot of people in the towns we visit. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.

As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, single travellers will share a room with another traveller of the same sex. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it while you can. If you’d prefer not to share, a single room supplement is available at an additional charge. Please ask your travel consultant for more details, and please note that in some hotels a single supplement exclusion applies where single rooms are not available. Hotel rooms in Europe can seem rather small by American or Australian standards and often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. Please also note that often hotels offer shared bathrooms rather than en-suite facilities.

Gallery

Itinerary

Buongiorno! Welcome to Italy. Crowded with ancient ruins and religious monuments, Rome still pulses to the beat of modern life and is packed with designer shops, restaurants, cafes and exciting nightlife. There are no activities planned before the group meeting tonight, so you can arrive any time before then. There are so many things to do in Rome – the Colosseum, the Forum, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti, Piazza Venezia, the Vatican City and St Peter's Basilica – so arriving early is recommended. Don’t forget to do as the Romans do and sip an espresso at one of the tiny streetside cafes and sample the many flavours of gelato that colour the city. For those captivated by the 'Eternal City', throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure a return visit to Rome.

Meals Included

There are no meals included on this day.

Special Information

Your Italian adventure will begin with a welcome meeting at 6pm tonight – check with reception to confirm the time and place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please have these on hand. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Check the Vatican website (vatican.va) for updated information on when you can visit. Tickets for the Vatican Museum can and should be booked online at: biglietteriamusei.vatican.va. The Vatican Museum is closed on some days, including most Sundays. On the last Sunday of the month, it's open and free (but expect large crowds). Please consider this when booking this trip. Tickets for Galleria Borghese can also be booked online at galleriaborghese.it. In order to allow enough time in the museum and

Travel by train to Naples (approximately 3 hours), a raucous city that overflows with passion, tradition and gastronomy. Naples was carved out by many empires of the past and by merchants and pirates from across the world: Romans, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Venetians, Spaniards, Normans and Africans. Its evocative, historical old centre is a World Heritage-listed area and the famous Spanish Quarter is still one of the most densely populated residential areas in Europe. Naples is the birthplace of the pizza, so why not head to one of the many pizzerias and taste what's truly some of the best that Italy has to offer. Head underground to see ancient Napoli Sotterranea, the famous underground city. Later in the afternoon, board a train to the time capsule of Pompeii, in the shadow of Mt Vesuvius (approximately 1 hour). Your accommodation is perfectly located right near the entrance to the archaeological excavation site.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Napoli Sotterranea Underground City

Optional Activities

Naples Archaeological Museum - EUR14

Chapel of San Severo - EUR7

Duomo - Free

St Claire's Church and Cloister - EUR6

Meals Included

The small picturesque town of 'modern' Pompeii has a wonderful old town square – the perfect place to while away some time with the locals, drinking true Italian coffee and watching the world go by. Most of today though will be spent exploring the ruins of ancient Pompeii on a guided tour. Until 26 August, 79 AD, Pompeii was a thriving Roman trading centre, where ordinary people went about their everyday business, but it was frozen in time when Mount Vesuvius erupted, killing 2,000 people and their homes under a layer of ash. The city was never rebuilt and largely disappeared from people’s minds until the 18th century, when the ruins were re-discovered. Now you can take an unparalleled look back into the lives of ancient Romans and discover how they lived, worked and interacted 2,000 years ago. The finely preserved ruins include villas, temples, theatres and bustling markets. Walk along the chariot-marked streets, visit the magnificent amphitheatre and the ‘Villa of Mysteries’. You can also visit the Roman Forum and basilica, temples, public baths, and the tiny Odeon created for music recitals. The rest of the day is free, but if the ruins piqued your interest, head to nearby Herculaneum, which also holds a wealth of fossilised archaeological finds.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Pompeii Archaeological Site

Pompeii - Guided Walk

Optional Activities

Herculaneum Ruins entrance - EUR13

Sanctuary of St Mary of the Rosary - Free

Meals Included

This morning take a bus up the mighty Mt Vesuvius, where you’ll meet a local volcanology guide. Ascend to the summit of Mt Vesuvius for staggering 360 degree views over the Bay of Naples and into the steaming crater. Although Mt Vesuvius is still considered to be an active volcano, the last eruption was in 1944 and there's no sign of lava. See first-hand the awesome power of the volcano that engulfed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79AD. In the afternoon, travel by private vehicle to the picturesque resort town of Sorrento (approximately 1 hour). People have been coming to the peninsula and islands of the Sorrento region for at least 2,000 years, and set invitingly atop dramatic cliffs over sparkling, blue waters, it's easy to see why. There are many options in this small seaside town with its fine piazzas, maze of old streets, sidewalk cafes and glamorous shops. The area is also famous for its lemon groves, producing the famous limoncello liqueur. In the evening head out to try some of the best limoncello on offer in Sorrento.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Mt Vesuvius - Entrance and Summit Climb

Sorrento Limoncello Tasting

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

The final ascent of the volcano can only be done on foot, up a steep but well-made trail of volcanic ash and gravel. The ascent takes around 45 minutes, and comfortable closed shoes are essential. Sufferers of vertigo may prefer to opt out.

You have a free day to explore this delightful area and the museums, galleries and piazzas of Sorrento. Perhaps stroll along the marina or cool off in the waters of the local small beaches. They’re not big on sandy beaches here, so swimming Sorrento-style is via wooden or stone bathing platforms beneath the cliffs. Taking a trip to Capri is also a great option, with a hydrofoil taking you across to the island that was once home to the magnificent holiday palaces of the Roman emperors. Capri’s dramatic rocky coastline is pierced by natural grottoes, while in the interior, narrow roads wind through fragrant citrus groves, past villages of flat-roofed white cubist-looking houses with flower-filled gardens, and manicured towns which offer swanky hotels and chic cafes. Here you can take a boat trip to the fairy-tale Blue Grotto (La Grotta Azzurra), where the water shines with an extraordinary blue translucence, a result of refraction of the sunlight outside. Your leader will be of assistance and will have plenty of suggestions of what to do and see today. End the day a very Italian way with a demonstration of Gelato making.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Sorrento - Gelato Making Demonstration

Optional Activities

Hydrofoil Sorrento to Capri - EUR38

Meals Included

Arrive on the Amalfi Coast after a short journey by private vehicle (approximately 2 hours). The Amalfi peninsula is a land of rocky coasts, cliff-top vistas, azure seas, tiered lemon groves, whitewashed villages clinging to steep cliffs, and bright blue skies. If you're after a relaxing walk with a few cultural highlights, stroll from one side of Amalfi town to the other and pay a visit to the Cattedrale di Sant'Andrea and the Chiostro del Paradiso. If you’re after something more active, perhaps embark on a walk through the Valley of Mills where for centuries paper mills were in operation. Alternatively catch a bus up the Valley of Dragons to reach pretty Ravello. The French novelist André Gide once described this town as being ‘closer to the sky than the seashore’. For centuries, its lofty position and sunny, dry climate has made it an appealing place for writers, artists, musicians and travellers. Ravello also boasts two magnificent villas – the superb 11th Century Villa Rufolo which was once the home of Wagner, and Villa Cimbrone, a sumptuous 19th Century mansion with fabulous gardens and unequalled views over the Gulf of Salerno. Otherwise just laze around on the beaches and in the piazza, gazing back up at the amazingly picturesque part of the world.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Optional Activities

Chiostro del Paradiso - EUR3

Valley of the Mills Hike - Free

Ravello & Valley of the Dragons - Free

Cattedrale S.Andrea - Free

Meals Included

Your leader will take you for a half-day hike along the narrow trail of the famous Sentiero Degli Dei (the Walk of the Gods) which, until quite recently, was followed by mules and donkeys as they traversed the dramatic landscape. This path winds its way through unique scenery and boasts unrivalled views along the coast. Walk through forests and fields of wildflowers, olive groves and vineyards, past ancient stone huts and beside sheer walls of granite. Glimpse local farmers tending their crops by hoe and elbow grease, herds of goats feeding beside the trail beside their shepherds, and teams of workmen commuting by mule. The trail ends in picturesque Positano where there will be ample time to explore and maybe take a dip in the sea. Return to Amalfi by ferry which is the perfect way to see the coast from a different perspective. With tonight your last night as a group, it’s a good idea to gather your fellow travellers together and head out for a feast to celebrate the end of this Italian adventure.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Included Activities

Walk of the Gods Hike (Sentiero degli Dei)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

Today's walking time: 4-5 hours / 9-10 km. Please note that the Pathway of the Gods is steep in places and has many stairs (the descent to Positano has more than 1,500 steps), and can be challenging for sufferers of vertigo. But the views are breath-taking and repay you for the effort! A certain level of fitness is required to complete this hike, especially in summer when there may not be much shade along the path. Your leader will be able to suggest alternative activities should you wish to opt out. Please also note that the ferry from Positano operates on seasonal schedules and may be cancelled in adverse weather conditions. In these cases we will take the bus back to Amalfi.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. As there is so much to do along the Amalfi Coast you may want to consider to extend your stay here. We are happy to book additional accommodation for you, subject to availability. Please enquire at the time of booking.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Special Information

If you haven't had enough of Italy yet why not join our connecting Highlights of Calabria & Sicily trip, taking in the best of these two beautiful Italian regions, such as the Aeolian Islands, Mt Etna and Palermo. Or check out our connecting Explore Southern Italy trip heading down into the heel of Italy to the region of Puglia.

Inclusions

Meals

5 breakfasts

Transport

Train,
Private vehicle,
Public bus,
Boat,
Metro

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Included activities

Napoli Sotterranea Underground City

Pompeii Archaeological Site

Pompeii - Guided Walk

Mt Vesuvius - Entrance and Summit Climb

Sorrento Limoncello Tasting

Sorrento - Gelato Making Demonstration

Walk of the Gods Hike (Sentiero degli Dei)

Meals

5 breakfasts

Transport

Train,
Private vehicle,
Public bus,
Boat,
Metro

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Included activities

Napoli Sotterranea Underground City

Pompeii Archaeological Site

Pompeii - Guided Walk

Mt Vesuvius - Entrance and Summit Climb

Sorrento Limoncello Tasting

Sorrento - Gelato Making Demonstration

Walk of the Gods Hike (Sentiero degli Dei)

Dates & availability

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Important notes

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. The price of the single supplement does not include the following nights, where a single room does not form part of the package. In this case you will be matched up with another traveller of the same gender. If a single room becomes available at check-in for these nights, there may be the option for you to upgrade to a single room and pay the surcharge locally for that night:
- Days 4-5 Sorrento
- Days 6-7 Amalfi
Please also note that due to the small properties we use in Europe there is only a limited amount of single supplements available per trip departure. If you would like to book a single supplement and enquire about availability please speak to your booking agent.

ITINERARY
You don't have a lot of time in Rome at the start of the trip, so if you're keen to explore this spectacular city in depth we recommend you arrive a day or two before the start of the trip, especially if you would like to see the Vatican Museum as it is closed most Sundays. Please check opening times here: vatican.va.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.